Tribulation is a common thing in this world, whether you are a Christian or not, hardship and times of trials are there for you to face. But how we respond to these hardship is what matters in our christian walk. How do you see the world? How do you respond to hardship? Do you see the will of God in your tribulations? These questions are what Brother Eli Soriano discussed in this first part of this bible lesson.
Brother Eli revealed to us some insightful thoughts about tribulations or hardship. According to him, tribulations in life, that are handled with prayers and faith in God's will, have a divine purpose. It demonstrate how God uses trials to not only test us but to strengthen our faith in Him.
Interestingly, Brother Eli noted that, any circumstances of hardship that God permits in our lives must eventually have a divine purpose. When God allows us to experience hard times, His intention is usually to teach us in the same circumstances and to make us grow psychologically and spiritually. This reminds us the words of the apostle Paul in bible, found in the book of Romans 8:18, where Paul says that the glory to be revealed in the believers is much greater than the present sufferings.
However, we must learn to discern between problems that comes from men's evil acts and those that God allowed. All troubles in life do not comes from God; most of the time, it comes because of men's wickedness. Nevertheless, the trials that God allowed in our lives are meant to bring us closer to Him and for our spiritual growth.
One of the most important points here in this lesson is that our suffering will lead to some good at the end. To put things to light, Brother Eli referred us to the apostle Paul epistle to the Romans to explain how our suffering build in us patience, and patience to experience, and experience to hope that never fails because it's born of God's love which we have in Christ Jesus by the gift of the Holy spirit in us.
Patience is an important factor in everything we do in life towards the achievement of goals. Whether it's finishing school, getting job promotion, or achieving success in life generally, patience is what gives us the courage to keep going against all odds.
The lesson reassured us that there is meaning in our sufferings. If we pray and ask God to lead us in our tribulations, they no longer looks like obstacles, but steps towards our spiritual growth and drawing closer to God. Our present troubles today are in fact preparing us for the glory which God has prepared for us in the future.
